


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


THE  QUEST  OF  A  SOUL 
AND  OTHER  VERSE 


THE  QUEST  OF 
A  SOUL 

AND  OTHER  VERSE 


By 
Martha  Arnold  Boughton 


NEW  YORK  CHICAGO  TORONTO 


Fleming  H.  Revell  Company 


LONDON        AND        EDINBURGH 


Copyright,  1911,  by 
FLEMING  H.  REVELL  COMPANY 


New  York  :  158  Fifth  Avenue 
Chicago  :  123  No.  Wabash  Ave. 
Toronto:  25  Richmond  St.,  W. 
London  :  21  Paternoster  Square 
Edinburgh:  100  Princes  Street 


INSPIRER, 
CRITIC, 
COMPANION, 
HUSBAND. 


Contents 

PACK 

THE  REALM  OP  THE  POET 9 

THE  QUEST  OP  A  SOUL 13 

TRIBUTES 

To  the  Beloved  31 

Frances  E.  Willard  32 

Robert  Browning   35 

Apostrophe  to  Shakespeare 36 

A  CYCLE  OP  THE  YEAR 

New  Year's  Melodies  41 

An  Easter  Song  43 

The  Spirit  of  May 46 

Decoration  Day  Ode   47 

Independence  Day  52 

A  Thanksgiving  Paean   55 

A  Christmas  Lay  59 

NEAR  THE  HEART'S  SHRINE 

Sympathy   65 

The  Love  of  Life 66 

Prayer 67 

Recompense    68 

Light  for  the  Dark  Hour 74 

Patience    75 

7 


Content* 


AT  PLACES 

The  Catskills  Beautiful  79 

An  Idyl  of  the  Hudson 80 

Westminster  Abbey   82 

Bermuda   83 

OP  THE  LITTLE  ONES 

To  the  Mother  of  a  Babe 87 

My  Captor  91 

Welcome  to  Baby  93 

The  Returned  Messenger 97 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Aspiration 103 

A  Hymn  of  Peace 104 

An  Evening  Reverie   107 

The  Weaver    114 

Soul  Thoughts 116 

Beatrice    119 

Friendship    123 

Verses   .  125 


THE  REALM  OF  THE  POET 

OUNDLESS  the  poet's  realm.    Nor 

space,  nor  time, 
Nor  Nature  vast,  nor  man,  nor  He, 

the  All 

Confines  his  range.  Above  this  terrene  ball, 
Where  strife  for  gain,  and  sordid  care,  and 

crime 
Vex  life,  he  breathes  pure  air :  in  that  blest 

clime 
Lists  the  world's  wild  heart  beat.     No 

earth-grown  wall 
Bars  his  from  childhood's  realm,  no  bonds 

enthrall 
His   perfect   faith,   hope   dauntless,   love 

sublime. 

To  him  is  deigned  a  sacred  trust,  to  lead 
False  errant  man  back  to  the  True,  the 

Good: 
To  paint  for  him,  with  setting  choice  and 

rare 

And  color  bright,  the  vision  God  shall  cede 
Unto  his  soul.    Like  One  who  here  once 

stood, 

He  is  to  touch  the  blind,  that  they  see  clear. 
9 


THE  QUEST  OF  A  SOUL 


THE  QUEST  OF  A  SOUL 


TINY  craft  on  Time's  mysterious 

stream 
Was  once  embarked.    Escaped  from 

realm  unknown, 

The  fragile  thing  a  journey  perilous 
Essayed.    Its  guide,  from  fields  empyrean 

fresh, 
Nor  thought,  nor  cared,  nor  wist  to  what 

port  bound, 
A  thoughtless,  guileless,  tender  child  was 

she. 

Like  mirror  true,  she  imaged  faithfully 
The  language,  mood  and  mein  of  those  who 

dwelt 

In  the  fair  land  she  had  so  lately  left. 
With  fragile  lilies,  snowy  pure,  she  toyed, 
With  rippling  waves  played  free,  enrap 
tured  sang 

Her  glad  surprise  and  wonder  deep  at  all 
Of  mystery  and  beauty  spread  around 
13 


1 


Qut0t  of  a  feoul 


was ; 

*  * 


In  earth  and  sea  and  sky.   Life 
*          *  *  * 

Swift  sped  the  years.    They  changed  the 

wondering  child 

To  maiden  of  fair  form  and  fervent  heart, 
And  pure  and  modest  grace.    More  deep 

the  stream, 
More  strong  the  wave,  more  wide  the  rista 

grew. 
"Stay,  lovely  maid,"  one  sang  in  tempting 

tone, 

"Nor  haste  with  look  so  earnest  and  intent 
To  speed  thee  on.    Youth  passes  by  but 

once, 

Stay  thou  with  me,  the  tardy  hours  be 
guile.'* 
"Nay,  hinder  not,"  she  cried,  "nor  turn 

my  thought 
From  my  firm  purpose  strong.    I  have  set 

out 

The  Isle  of  Happiness  to  gain.    From  this 
Nought  shall  deter. ' '    "  Yet,  maiden  fair, ' ' 

he  urged, 

List  to  my  word.    I,  Beauty  am,  and  I 
14 


£2tu0t  ot  a  feoul 


Have  ever  wreathed  renown 'd  woman's 

brow. 
Thy  form  of  grace,  thy  features  fair,  I'll 

give 

Yet  fairer  touch.   Men  at  thy  feet  shall  fall, 
And  vow  for  loveliness  none  can  excel. 
So  shalt  thou  ride  the  dancing  wave  with 

glee, 

And  Ease  and  Pleasure  wait  upon  thy  will, 
And  soon  the  Isle  Elysian  shall  gain. ' ' 
And  with  the  word,  in  garb  entrancing  fair 
And  winning  face  and  form,  he  decked  the 

maid. 
But  slowly  moved  her  bark.    Men  crowded 

round, 

And  vied  to  homage  rend,  and  in  her  ear 
And  to  each  other  vowed, ' '  Of  loveliest  all 
Most  lovely,  and  of  all  most  passing  fair." 
Eound,  round,  the  boat  in  eddies  swift  now 

spun, 
Until  well  nigh  submerged.    Like  lead  her 

heart, 
Although  with  hollow  smile  she  answered 

back 


The  flattery  of  the  throng.     Aroused  at 

length, 

She  scanned  around,  before,  alas,  in  vain, 
The  port  to  see. 

And  Life  went  sweeping  on. 
In  silvery  sheen  and  cloth  of  gold  attired, 
And  puffed  with  pompous  pride,  a  spirit 

gay 

In  midair  poised  before  her  straining  eyes. 
"Fair  maiden,"  thus  he  spoke,  "I  ween 

thy  wish 

And  haste  me  here  to  aid  thee  on  thy  way. 
By  deeds  confirmed,  the  whole  wide  world 

will  show 
My  gift  the  one  supreme.    Would  men  so 

yield 
Their   precious   time,   best   thought,   and 

friends,  and  kin, 

And  honor,  health,  and  hazard  even  life, 
Did  they  not  think  exchange  for  my  rare 

gift 
Were  worth   them   all!     Yet  this  much 

craved  prize 


•flLfjt  £Dur0t  of  a  feoul 

Shalt  thou  possess,  for  Biches  at  thy  feet 
E'en  to  satiety  I'll  pour,  and  naught 
Thy  heart  can  wish  of  all  earth's  treasure 

trove 
Shall  be  denied.    The  metal  bright  shall 

buy 
Position,  favor,  power  and  sway  'mongst 

men. 

If  all  thou  canst  desire  shall  be  thine  own, 
What   more   can   aid   thee   to   a   fruitful 

search?" 

And  soon,  his  word  fulfilled,  the  tiny  bark 
With  lustrous  yellow  gold  was  freighted 

down; 

Nor  had  he  valued  low  its  wondrous  might, 
For  favor,  power,  position,  homage,  too, 
And  treasures  rare,  the  yellow  metal  gain 
ed. 
But  with  its  heavy  weight  her  bark  sank 

low. 
Then  sordid  Care,  green  Envy,  vulture 

birds 

'Gan  hover  round,  and  touched  her  shoul 
ders  fair, 
2  17 


Quest  of  a 


And  soon  the  fragile  craft  so  burdened 

grew, 

The  cruel  waters  had  well-nigh  engulfed. 
"Alas!"  she  sighed,  "I  fear  no  resting 

place 
Save  'neath  the  wave,  my  troubled  soul  can 

find! 

But  who  is  this  who  hovers  near,  his  garb 
Of  sombre  hue,  his  visage  wise  and  grave? 
Of  faith  and  hope  I  feel  the  thrill,  that  he 
Shall  rescue  me,  my  onward  way  ensure." 
E  'er  he  the  sinking  prow  essayed  to  raise, 
"Stay,  spirit  wise,"  she  cried,  "for  wise 

thou  seemst, 

Dost  ken  the  way  unto  the  Blessed  Bourn? 
The  skies  are  dark,  the  air  opaque  and 

thick, 

The  waters  of  Despair  seek  to  devour. 
Thou  seemest  hope  to  bring,  canst  guide 

me  on?" 

"Wondrous  the  works  of  God,"  he  answer 
ed  low, 
"Scarce  less  amazing  those  of  creature 

man, 

18 


® 


flDuest  of  a  feoul 


And  Nature's  marvels  endlessly  unfold. 
Fair  Science,  charming  History,  graceful 

Art, 

All  records  man  and  nature,  too  unveils, 
The  hidden  mysteries  of  the  earth,  and 

those 

Of  distant  suns  in  endless  ether  plains, 
All  this,  and  more,  I,  Learning  can  reveal. 
My  lamp  I'll  lend  thee,  thus  by  it  to  read 
Not  only  all  thy  mind  can  touch,  but,  too, 
I  troth,  thy  way  unto  the  Happy  Isle." 
Intent  the  goal  to  reach,  she  seized  the 

lamp. 
Its  light  pierced  the  dim  air,  and  wondrous 

things 

Above,   around,   beneath,   its   beams   re 
vealed. 

Sweet  was  the  search,  and  time  sped  swift 
ly  by 
While  delving  in  the  treasures  round  her 

spread. 

She  read  and  read,  forgetting  all  around, 
And  noted  not  how  wide  the  stream  had 
grown. 

19 


&tt**t  of  a  &ottl 

As  from  a,  dream  aroused,  she  gazed  about : 
Nor  banks  could  she  discern,  nor  living 

thing 

To  answer  back  a  soul's  despairing  cry. 
1 1 0  whither  am  I  bound, ' '  she  wildly  called. 
"To  be  alone  on  Time's  uncertain  stream, 
With  haven  none  in  view,  nor  pilot  sure, 
The  way  to   guide,   is  hopeless  beyond 

hope! 

But  yet  another  spirit  on  broad  wing, 
To  proffer  aid,  I  ween,  is  hastening  near. 
'A  myriad  of  strange  birds  flit  round  him 

close, 
And  sounds  mysterious  break  upon  mine 

ear." 

"Of  what  avail,"  he  answer  made  at  once 
To  her  deep  questioning  eyes,  "is  all  thou 

hast, 
If  thou  alone  must  sail,  alone  enjoy 

The  gifts  of  various  kinds  thou  hast  re 
ceived? 

Men  all  things  gain  that  they  by  other  men 
20 


flDucst  ot  a  feoul 


May  be  admired,  loud  landed  and  long 

snng. 

Unhappiness  is  thine  until  thou  know 
That  all  men  know  how  envious  is  thy  state. 
The  longed-for  realm  is  further  on,  where, 

now 
I'll  not  reveal,  but  these  winged  messen 

gers 

That  on  thy  way  attend,  shall  go  before 
And  by  entrancing  strains  shall  lure  thee 

on: 

The  Beatific  Isle  shall  soon  appear.  " 
So  spoke  deceitful  Fame.    Then  on  her  ear 
Broke  soft  ecstatic  strains.  All  else  around 
She  heeded  not,  for  far  her  name  they 

chimed. 

Wide  circled  they  around  ;  away  they  bore 
Her  praise   to  distant  lands,  and  Echo 
clear 

Sustained  the  sound.    They  sang  of  one 

fair  bark 
On  Life's  strange  stream,  with  worth  and 

wealth  most  blest. 
21 


Quest  of  a  feoul 

Th'  intoxicating  draught   of  praise   she 

drank, 
Now  couched  on  bed  of  ease,  and  deep  and 

long 

She  quaffed  again  until  her  dizzied  brain 
In  rapt  oblivion  of  passing  things 
Was  steeped.    Though  warbling  birds  sang 

gaily  on, 

Dulled  was  her  ear  to  most  alluring  sounds. 
Excess  of  honied  sweets  repellant  grew. 
The  dull  delirium  of  delusive  Fame 
Began  by  little  slowly  to  be  spent, 
And  Eeason  to  resume  its  wonted  throne. 
' '  Sing,  if  ye  will,  to  duller  ears  your  songs, 
Deceptive  harbingers  of  ill,"  she  moaned; 
1 '  I  look,  and  find  ye  have  not  sped  me  on, 
To   no    sure   resting   place   my   bark   is 

moored, 

I  feel  it  rather  drifted  farther  back, 
And  longer  is  the  search  to  gain  the  port. 
My  soul  by  deep  despondency  is  seized, 
For  I  despair  the  Happy  Isle  to  reach. 
I  little  care  if  this,  my  useless  bark 
22 


Shall  shipwreck  make,  and  billows  o  'er  me 

close." 

But  gazing  toward  the  blue,  a  vision  bright 
And  beauteous  beyond  compare  her  eyes 
Then  met.     On  wavering  wing,  through 

rifted  cloud, 
A  form  of  light  escaped,  and  downward 

sped. 

Celestial  forms  elude  our  mortal  words, 
But  He,  to  Hope  or  Faith  or  Peace  was 

like, 

Yet  greater  than  all  these,  far  more  divine. 
Of  Graces  good,  He  greatest.  Thus  is  Love. 
Kindly  His  face,  and  silver-toned  His 

word. 

His  eyes,  benign  and  soft,  assurance  lent. 
"Nay,  daughter,  think  not  thus  thy  hope  is 

fled,'1 
He  calmly  spoke.    "But  earth-born  all  thy 

guides 

'Till  now  have  been.   I,  from  above  am  sent 
The  way  to  show  unto  the  happy  realm 
Which  is   thy  quest.     Young  hast  thou 

learned,  but  sure, 
23 


flattest  of  a  feoul 

That  Beauty,  Biches,  Pleasure,  Learning, 

Fame, 

Are  fruitless  all,  the  deepest  need  to  meet. 
With  time  they  pass  away.    Love  never 

fails. 

Admit  me  to  thy  side,  thy  craft  to  guide. 
More  search  is  vain.    Love  and  Content 

are  one. 
Nor   seek  a  land  beyond  while   on  this 

stream, 
But  safely  sailed,  I'll  guide  thee  to  my 

home. 

I  promise  not  more  easy  be  thy  way, 
Nor  lure  with  such  advantage  as  they  all 
Whom  thou  hast  tried.    And  often  thou 

must  yield 
For  others'  weal,  thine  own;  to  find  thy 

life 

Shall  lose  what  seemest  dear,  yet  Love  di 
vine 

Sufficient  joy  receives  in  giving  self. 
Dost  choose ?"    "Yea,  Love,  lead  thou  me 

on,"  she  said. 


24 


£Dtu0t  of  a  feoul 

The  years  fled  by.    I  glanced  again  and 

saw 
Once  more,  the  same  light  craft  upon  the 

stream. 
And  to  it,  joined  by  bands  like  steel,  which 

Love 

Had  welded  firm,  another  bark  was  bound 
And  guided  by  a  strong  and  manly  soul. 
Swift  sped  they  on  as  one.    Love  turned 

aside 
Now  and  anon,  and  launched  upon  the 

stream 
New,  frail  and  tender  craft,  and  bade  them 

take 

And  safely  guide  till  well  upon  their  way. 
A  sight  most  beauteous  was  it  then  to  see 
The  fleet  entire  advance,  Love  leading  on! 
A  holy  halo  crowned  the  matron's  brow, 
And  sweet  content  wreathed  smiles  upon 

her  face. 
Not  always  clear  the  sky  nor  smooth  the 

wave, 

And  twice  I  saw  a  spectre  grim  reach  down 
25 


of  a  feoul 


And  wrench  away  from  their  protecting 

care 
One  of  the  fleet;  but  Love  bent  low  and 

breathed 

Into  her  ear,  a  message  from  above, 
Which   she  in   turn  re-echoed.     "All   is 

well." 

Her  guide  divine  directed  oftentimes 
Her    thought    to    other    craft    upon    the 

stream. 
Here,  one  had  shattered  grown,  there,  one 

adrift 
Without  a  rudder  sailed,  some  struggled 

hard 
Lest  grievous  burdens  sink  them  low.    All 

'round 

Were  those  whom  sickness,  sin,  and  pov 
erty 
Weighed  down.    She  touched  with  soft  and 

magic  hand, 
Each,  here  and  there,  and  hope  and  faith 

revived, 

26 


of  a  feoul 


New  life  infused,  while  burdens  ligjhter 

grew. 
On,  on,  Love  led.    The  stream  grew  broad 

and  deep, 
No  resting  place  appeared,  nor  sought  she 

one, 

Her  sweetest  joy  not  seeking  rest  for  self, 
But  with  warm  hand  and  heart,  abetting 

all 
Less  fortuned,  less  clear-visioned  than  was 

she. 

As  on  she  sped  and  on,  a  silvery  crown 
Merging    to    snowy    white,    her    temples 

wreathed, 

And  sunny  smiles  traced  true  upon  her  face 
Their  furrows  deep.    A  radiance  not  of 

earth, 
But  caught  from  the  bright  realm  toward 

which  she  sailed, 
And   heavenly   fair,   her   features   over 

spread. 

I  could  not  see  beyond,  but  now  and  then 
Her  straining  vision  caught  a  pledge  or 

sign 

27 


S&nttt  of  a  feoul 

Or  earnest  of  unutterable  joy 

Awaiting  her  release,  and  urged  her  haste. 

Then  loosed  the  bonds  became  to  dearest 

ones, 
Calm  was  the  stream,  low  hung  the  setting 

sun, 
And  without  splash  or  sound,  but  gliding 

smooth, 
Her  well-worn  bark  sailed  out  from  mortal 

ken 
Into  Eternity — Love  leading  home. 


28 


TO  THE  BELOVED. 

"ff  ONCE   stood  where  two  wild-wood 
J|      streams,  in  forest  shadowy,  deep, 

Their   waters   joined.     One  restive, 

wild,  impetuous  to  o'erleap 
Its  firm-bound  banks.    The  other,  pure  and 

clear  and  quiet  gleamed, 
For  Nature 's  face  unmarred  and  all  things 

bright,  a  mirror  seemed. 
United,  soon  their  waters  blent,  and  two 

as  one  became, 
Then   deeper,    broader,   mightier   far,   it 

flowed  on,  though  the  same, 
And  power  and  beauty,  grace  and  strength, 

then  marked  its  passage  free, 
And  burdens  vast  it  onward  bore  unto  the 

boundless  sea. 

I  once  stood  where  two  earnest  souls  in 
bond  most  mystic,  deep, 

Their  being  joined.    One  restless,  wild,  im 
petuous  to  o'erleap 
31 


£tanct0  <£.  OflliUara 

Her  earth-given  bound.  One  calm  as  morn, 

upright  and  brave  and  true, 
An  influence  breathing  hope  and  cheer,  that 

spirit  round  him  threw. 
Two  lives  as  one  then  blended  were ;  more 

deep  and  broad  and  strong 
Life's  stream  swept  on,  and  lightly  bore  all 

Care  and  Toil  along, 
And  power  and  beauty,  grace  and  strength 

now  mark  its  passage  free, 
And  Life  and  Love  glide  gently  on  toward 

Eternity. 

FEANCES  E.  WILLAED 

NCEOWNED    queen    of    nations, 

loved  of  millions  free, 
Hail,  translated  spirit!  hail  to-day 

to  thee! 
Grievous  cares  all  lightened,  world-wide 

journeys  o'er, 
Wearied  body  sleeping,  ne'er  to  waken 

more. 

Not  'mid  emblems  sable,  not  'mid  tears  and 
gloom, 

32 


j?rancr 3  <£.  OMillarD 

But  midst  light  and  blossom  rest  thee  in 
the  tomb. 

Not  the  giant  evil  claimed  her  heart's  sole 
care, 

She,  the  mother-hearted  saw  wrong  every 
where  : 

Sought  life's  joys  to  quicken,  sought  God's 
poor  to  feed, 

Labor's  load  to  lighten,  soothe  the  cry  of 
need: 

Evil 's  mighty  monarchs  from  their  thrones 
to  hurl, 

And  round  God's  broad  footstool,  flags  of 
peace  unfurl. 

Ease,  and  fame,  and  favor,  wealth,  and 
love  laid  down, 

She,  to  please  the  Master  choose  the  better 
crown : 

Laid  upon  the  altar  gifts  and  graces  rare, 

Lo!  the  gift  accepted,  more,  beyond  com 
pare 
3  33 


J-rancrs  C. 

He  bestowed  upon  her.     Life  grew  full, 

complete, 
Fame  and  honor  crowned  her,  friendship's 

bonds  were  sweet. 

Earthly  crowns  shall  perish,  royal  blood 

decay, 
They  who  live  for  God's  truth,  ne'er  shall 

pass  away : 
They  who  self  surrender  for  the  Good  and 

True, 
Gain,  through  years  on-rolling,  honor  ever 

new. 
Hail,  translated  spirit,  who  to  Life  hast 

passed 
Death  can  never  claim  thee,  while  the  years 

shall  last. 


EGBERT  BROWNING 

Born  May  7,  1812. 
Died  Dec.  12,  1889. 

GET  of  cheer!    The  natal  hour  we 
bless 

That  brought  thy  Song  of  Solace, 

and  the  spur ! 
What  though  thy  message,  in  its  opaque 

dress 
Bid  * '  Dig  and  delve  * ' !   A  mine  of  jewels 

were 

Less  worth  our  search.    Thy  opalescent  ray 
Illumines  the  groping  soul,  leads  it  to  day. 


For  with  thy  birth  rang  out  the  clarion 

clear, 
"Man's  here  to  grow  his  soul!    Upward 

his  woes 
Lead  him  to   God.     Aspire,  aspire,  nor 

fear!" 
Faith,  though  decadent,  with  thy  coming 

rose; 
Hope  dawned  anew,  enheartening  a  faint 

world ; 


to  &&afce0pear* 


And  Love  divine,  shone  in  God's  plans, 
impearled. 


One,  thou  didst  name  "Soul  of  my  soul," 

"My  star," 
"My  moon  of  poets,"  "Lyric  Love." 

Then  men 

Saw  how  a  man  might  love.    And  better  far 
Are  we,  who  hear  thy  slogan,  "Strive!" 

Again, 
"Progress    is    nought,    endeavor's    all." 

"Endure!" 
"Work  for  work's  sake."    "God  and  thy 

soul  stand  sure!" 

APOSTROPHE  TO  SHAKESPEARE 

EA,  hearts  change  not,  thou  Seer  of 

all  time, 

So  thou  dost  know  us  all ;  for  thou 
dost  steal 


Into  the  secret  soul  and  there  reveal 
Souls  to  themselves — of  every  age,  race, 
clime. 

36 


to  fe&alegpeare 

Thou  sweepest,  with  a,  breadth  and  scope 

sublime, 
The  harp  of  human  life.    And  didst  thou 

feel 

J.  \_/\_/J. 

The  hate,  love,  mirth,  grief,  envy,  woe, 

and  weal 
Thou  didst  portray?     Know  both  sweet 

deed  and  crime? 

How  hadst  thou  knowledge,  who,  they  say, 

ne'er  learned? 
Art  claims  thee,  yet  thou  didst  teach  Art 

to  soar 
Higher  than  Form, — that  highest  Art  but 

delves 
Into  the  soul's  deep  chasms,  whose  worth's 

discerned. 

So  thee,  as  Seer  Supreme  the  years  adore. 
They  teach  us   most  who   show  us   our 

strange  selves. 


37 


A  CYCLE  OF  THE  YEAR 


NEW  YEAR'S  MELODIES 


chimes  of  Time  glad  new  rhymes 
ring, 

For  the  revolving  cycles  wing 
Another  untried  year. 
Ring,  gladsome  bells,  new  hopes  allure: 
The  Past  is  dead,  new  hours  assure 
Surcease  from  every  fear. 

Sing  to  the  sad  of  joy  not  fled  : 

To  them  that  mourn,  of  Love,  not  dead, 

Sing  paeans  sweet  this  morn. 
Tell  mortals  all,  the  great  day  speeds 
Of  holier  thoughts  and  mightier  deeds  : 

Ring  hope  to  all  unborn. 

Peal,  chimes  of  Time,  grave  questions  peal, 
Unveil  the  vista,  Nestor  ;  tell 

If  woe  or  weal  await. 
Shall  Greed  and  Self  men  still  control? 
Or  Love,  divine  and  human,  rule 

The  heart,  the  home,  the  state? 


geat'0 

Shall  Bum,  unchecked,  his  domain  spread? 
Shall  Power  and  Anarchy  be  wed! 

Our  flag  dishonored  be? 
Or  white-robed  Peace  her  laurels  wave, 
And  loyal  sons  their  country  save 

To  home  and  liberty? 

Clang,  chimes  of  Time,  in  jangling  rhymes, 
Discordant  tones  suit  jarring  times. 

Error  as  Truth  is  clad, 
And  Vice  as  Virtue  robed  is  bold, 
The  scales  of  Justice  poised  by  gold, 

And  infants'  hearts  made  sad. 

Toll,  chimes  of  Time,  your  deep  tones  roll 
For  each  crushed  heart,  each  downcast 
soul, 

For  rudely  severed  ties: 
For  moments  fled,  kind  deeds  undone ; 
For  futile  plans,  work  not  begun — 

Lost  opportunities. 

Chime,  bells  of  Time,  chime  sweet  and  sad : 
Tomb-ward  we  haste,  and  sable-clad, 
Bear  cypress  boughs  along: 
42 


Yet  chime,  0  bells ;  eons  are  old : 
The  Eternal 's  plans  shall  soon  unfold : 
Sound  a  glad  New  Year's  song. 

King,  joyous  bells,  your  sweet  tone  swells 
The  anthem  that  from  true  hearts'  wells, 

Hailing  that  glad  new  day 
When  Love  shall  reign  and  Strife  shall  die, 
God's  children  be  one  family, 

The  Prince  of  Peace  hold  sway. 

AN  EASTER  SONG 

ING,  all  earthly  hearts  and  voices, 
Sing  aloud,  this  festal  day, 

Sea  and  sky  and  earth  rejoices, 
Men  and  angels  join  to  say, 
1 1  Christ  the  Lord  is  risen  to-day ! ' ' 

Vain  were  shackles,  bars  and  mandates, 
Seals  and  bribes  and  rulers'  word, 

Death  has  died:  man's  foe  is  vanquished: 
Heaven  and  earth  with  one  accord 
Hymns  to-day,  a  risen  Lord. 

Vain  the  birth  of  Him,  the  Christ-child, 
Vain  that  life  of  power  divine, 
43 


faster 


Vain,  indeed,  the  hours  on  Calvary, 
Or  that  glory  through  him  shine, 
If  no  risen  Christ  were  thine. 

See !  ere  night  withdraws  her  curtain, 
Ushering  in  the  busy  week, 

Mary,  lade  with  precious  spices, 
Would  her  Healer's  body  seek: 
She  once  demon-ruled,  now  meek. 

Though  bright  angels  guard  death's  por 
tal, 
Deep  with  grief  her  heart  is  stirred : 

"Tell  me,  sir,"  to  one  she  crieth, 
"Tell  me  where  they've  laid  my  Lord!" 
' '  Mary  I ' '  from  His  lips  she  heard. 

Glory  broke  upon  her  vision, 
E'en  with  Him  she  could  not  stay, 

1 1  He  is  risen !    He  is  risen ! ' ' 
Far  and  wide  she  sings  the  lay. 
So  we  sing,  "He's  risen  to-day." 

Beautiful    blossoms,    bright    blooming   at 
Easter-tide, 

Emblems  of  His  resurrection,  so  pure, 
44 

ji$§Z 

s&sT 


ftn  Ca0Ut  feong 

Christ-noticed  lilies,  breathe  out  from  each 

chalice  wide 

Incense ;  your  praise,  voiceless  lips,  shall 
endure. 

0  ye  seraphic  choirs,  who  through  the 

vaults  of  heaven, 
Once  rang  creation's  work,  once  sang 

the  birth 
Of  earth's  Creator,  join  now  in  the  homage 

given, 

Swell  the  glad  anthem  ascending  from 
earth. 

Sing,  too,  0  hearts  of  men,  since  Christ 

hath  rent  the  veil, 
Lighted   death's   portal,   illumined   the 

tomb; 
Ye,  too,  who  mourn  the  loved,  cease  from 

your  bitter  wail, 

Man  is  immortal,  and  death  hath  its 
doom. 


45 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  MAY 

~ff  SPRING  from  the  haunts  of  the  Fays 
11  'neath  the  grass ; 

My  mantle  the  mist  of  the  fen  and 

morass, 

And  legions  of  warblers  peal  out  as  I  pass 
"It  is  May,  lovely  May, 
Join  0  earth  in  our  lay. '  ' 

I've  conquered  with  sunbeams  the  Frost- 
king's  steel  throng, 
I've  swept  into  tropics  his  crystal  towers 

strong, 

I've  dried  weeping  clouds  with  a  kiss  and 
a  song, 

For  I'm  May,  laughing  May, 
I  bid  sorrow  away. 

The  trees,  bare  and  brown  with  caresses  I 

woo, 

With  magic  I  deck  them  in  emerald  hue, 
And  earth's  sleeping  blossoms  I  waken 
anew, 

For  I'm  May,  beauteous  May, 
Making  earth  glad  and  gay. 
46 


Decoration  2Dap  Otoe 

I  bid,  and  the  soul  forgets  care,  toil  and 

ruth, 
I  breathe,  and  the  heart  old  and  sere  feels 

the  truth, 

"There  is  no  lasting  Death,"  for  to  all  I 
bring  youth 

As  I  sing,  "Come  away, 
'Tis  the  heart's  holiday." 

DECORATION  DAY  ODE 

EAR  ye,  0  people,  a  solemn  dirge 

rending 
Heaven's  high  arches  with  music 

sublime? 

Hear  ye  the  tread  of  the  million  feet  wend 
ing 

Slowly  their  way  to  the  muffled  drum's 
time? 

Heroes  immortal 
Do  ye  not  hear 
Who  through  the  portal 
Of  glory  have  passed, 
And  rest  found  at  last, 
And  now  year  and  year 
47 


^Decoration 

Feel  on  your  mound  the  sweet  blossom  and 
tear? 

Yea,  o'er  the  heart  once  so  loyally  beating 
For  his  beloved  land,  strew  the  sweet 

bloom, 
Purity,    beauty,    and    fragrance,    though 

fleeting, 

Yet  for  the  moment  may  brighten  the 
tomb: 

Tenderly  speaking 
Eemembrance  and  love, 
A  great  nation  seeking 
That  gratitude,  deep  and  sincere  it  might 

prove. 
Then  let  the  children,  pure,  snowy-robed, 

sweet, 
Bear  the  bright  emblems,  for  surely  'tis 

meet 
That  they,  happy,  innocent,  joyous  and 

free 

Should   carry   our   heart-thoughts,   loved 
heroes  to  thee. 

They  know  not  the  cost 
48 


^Decoration  2>ap  £>&e 

Of  liberty's  boon, 
The  mighty  oblation, 
The  grief-stricken  nation, 
The  anguish  and  sighs, 
The  precious  young  life-blood  that  ran  free 

and  soon, 

'Twill  teach  even  infants  their  home-land 
to  prize. 

Not  alone  would  memory  keep 
Vigil  o'er  our  own  who  sleep, 
But  in  loving  thought  would  sweep 
O'er  the  graves  unmarked,  unbil- 

lowed, 
North  and  South,  where  rest,  un- 

pillowed, 

Many  a  son  in  blue  or  grey 
Who  loved  the  land  we  love  to-day. 
Sisters    brave    and   mothers,    wives    and 

sweethearts  too, 
Offered  all  in  offering  their  boys  in  grey 

and  blue: 

Give  them,  too,  a  loving  thought  in  this  dis 
tant  day, 
4  49 


Decoration  Dap  JDfte 


"Who  their  anguish  ill  concealed,  bade  them 
speed  away. 

But  our  saddened  hearts  yet  thrill 
With  a  throb  of  joy,  that  still 
There    are    "boys"    with    beating 

heart, 
Who  once  bore  their  loyal  part 

On  the  field. 

Some  with  tottering  step  and  slow, 
Maimed  or  sightless,  while  the  snow 
Crowns  their  brows,  and  yet  aglow 
With  the  patriot's  zeal.    The  foe 
Could  not  teach  them  that  they  know 

How  to  yield. 

Shall  they  fill  a  pauper's  grave! 
Shall  they  homeless  rove,  or  slave 
For  a  pittance,  who  once  gave 
For  the  Eight,  limb,  sight,  or  wealth, 
Youth,  ambition,  home  or  health  ? 
Nay !    While  in  our  veins  shall  run 
Drops  of  noble  blood  that  won 
First  to  us,  this  heaven-blest  land, 
By  our  braves  we  '11  nobly  stand : 
50 


^Decoration  SDap 

Be  to  them  home,  limb  and  sight, 
Make  their  later  days  more  bright, 
Soon  at  roll  call  shall  appear 
Not  a  one  to  answer  "Here." 

By  the  sleeping  dead  we  honor,  by  our  loyal 

millions  free, 
By  our  sweeping  plains  and  prairies,  by 

one  flag  from  sea  to  sea, 
By  the  unborn  host  that  cometh,  God  of 

Nations,  we  implore 

That  the  Prince  of  Peace  may  teach  thy 
children  that  they  war  no  more. 
Let  them  perish 
Who  would  cherish 

Pride  of  War's  vain  pomp  and  glory,  love 
of  power,  revenge,  or  gore. 
Yet,  0  Christ,  should  grim  Oppres 
sion 

Crush  thy  feeble  ones  to  dust, 
As  one  man,  let  this  great  nation 
Eise  to  teach  men  to  be  just. 
Rise  in  His  name  whom  we  trust. 
Yet,  we  pray, 
51 


Speed  the  day, 

When  the  feuds  of  men  shall  cease, 
When  shall  dawn  that  reign  of  peace 
When  Thy  children  all  shall  be 
Bound  in  loving  unity. 


E  hail  again  the  day  of  Freedom's 

birth 
In  this,  the  fairest  land  o'er  all 

the  earth 

Let  clarion  trumpet  sound,  let  voice  in 
spire, 

Check  not  the  joyous  din,  the  dart  of  fire; 
Check  not,  by  day  or  night 
Ought  that  may  make  more  bright 
The  glorious  splendor  flung  from  Free 
dom's  light. 


Aye,  aye,  let  all  the  children  know  the 

price, 

And  all  of  alien  blood,  the  sacrifice 
52 


That  bought  the  boon.    But  dear  beyond 
compare 

Is  it  to  us,  whose  veins  boast  blood  so  rare; 
Blood  of  those  heroes  old, 
"Who  crushed  the  tyrant  bold, 

Bequeathing  thus,  this  liberty  we  hold. 

But  stay!  nor  vaunt  thyself  in  haughty 

pride, 

0  nation  blest,  nor  seek  by  boast  to  hide 
Thy  servile  thrall.    Tyrants  still  hold  thee 

low, 
And  liberty  complete  thou  dost  not  know. 

The  craven  foe  must  feel, 

(Though  not  by  arms  of  steel) 
A  mighty  death-blow,  which  our  brave  may 

deal. 


For  lo!  the  giant  Greed  hath  bound  thee 

fast, 
And  Mammon,  for  mere  love  of  gold,  hath 

cast 
Thee  into  chains.    Shall  freemen  serve  or 

rule? 

53 


Each  his  own  master  be,  or  Power's  tool? 
Arise!    Contend  with  might, 
Cast  off  the  chains  of  night, 

And  claim  thy  liberty,  thy  inborn  right ! 

Freedom  to  think,  to  act,  pursue,  aspire, 
To  buy  and  sell  at  worth,  toil  for  just  hire, 
To  own  a  roof,  to  seek  at  will,  to  find 
The  Beautiful  in  life,  to  store  the  mind 
Untrammelled  by  the  will 
Of  monied  Power,  which  still 
More  gold  to  gain,  thy  liberty  would  kill. 


Let  Wealth,  ill-gotten,  vaunt  no  more,  nor 

try 

By  gift  to  worthy  cause,  to  pacify 
A  wounded  sense  of  Bight.    Yet,  heroes 

they 
Who,  Fortune-favored,  seek  upon  the  prey 

Of  Poverty  to  shower 

The  blessing-burdened  power 
Their  wealth  begets,  to  brighten  Life's 

dark  hour. 


<3H)anfe0ffttunff  paean 


Haste,  haste,  true  Independence  day,  and 

bring 
To  each  his  own  birthright,  that  we  may 

fling 

Fetters  of  body,  mind  and  soul  afar, 
And  Christian  Freedom  be  our  Polar  Star. 

A  waiting  world,  in  need, 

We  then  may  fitly  lead 
To  claim  the  heritage  that  God  would  cede. 


A  THANKSGIVING  P^EAN. 

ATHER,  0  children  of  free  fair  Co 
lumbia, 
Leave  every  field  of  toil,  each  busy 

mart, 

Gather,  to-day,  at  your  shrines  of  devotion, 
Let  songs   of  ecstacy  rise  from  each 
heart : 

For  joy  of  living, 
Gratefully  raise 
Psalms  of  thanksgiving, 
Paeans  of  praise. 


In  holy  temples  of  truth  now  assemble, 
Perfume  God's  altars  with  incense  of 

Joy, 

Wonders  and  wonders  of  mercy  recount 
ing, 

Praises  to  Him  let  your  moments  employ: 
Weal,  wealth  and  power 

He  doth  bestow 
On  every  people 
Honoring  Him  so. 

Sing  of  the  Puritan  fathers,  our  founders, 
Who,  for  a  harvest  once  willed  us  the 

day, 

Scan  the  bright  vista  of  heroes  immortal 
Sealing  with  life-blood,  our  freedom  for 
aye: 
Rouse  into  being 

Loyalty  new, 
Love  for  the  home-land, 
Love  for  her  true. 

Tell  of  the  halcyon  days  that  are  passing, 
Echoes  of  anvils,  the  mills '  merry  croon, 
56 


Si 

Factory  bells  ringing  their  joy  to  the  fire 
side, 

Labor  a-toiling  with  cherriest  tune: 
Storehouses  laden 

Fruit  brown  and  gold, 
Granaries  bursting, 
Treasures  to  hold. 

Kaise  every  loyal  heart  glad  exultation, 
Praise  Him  for  birth  in  this  free,  Chris 
tian  land, 

Pity  them,  who,  in  their  dire  desolation 
Know  rod  and  shackle  and  tyrant 's  com 
mand: 
.  Proud  daughters  humbled, 

Babes  made  to  wail, 
Fortresses  crumbled, 
Strong  men  to  quail. 


Eound  burdened  tables  with  choice  viands 

teeming, 

Summon  glad  children  and  silver  heads 
grey, 

57 


SI  QanKsffitung  par  an 

Fling  years  aside,  let  the  bright  love-light, 

streaming, 

Shed  o'er  all  hearts  its  pure  life-giving 
ray: 

Gather  at  hearth-stones 

Each  loving  band, 
In  song  and  story 
Honor  our  land. 


Grateful,  by  deeds  let  us  honor  the  Giver, 
Hallow  His  name,  and  His  ways  teach 

our  youth, 
Guard  well  His  Eest-day,  make  His  Word 

our  lode-star, 

Laud  Him  in  state,  home  and  school,  as 
the  Truth. 

Speed  far  the  Good  News 

To  distant  lands, 
Help  His  own  poor  ones 
With  open  hands. 

Yea,  let  the  day  bring  but  peace,  light  and 

gladness, 

Thankful  for  all  heaven's  gifts  let  us  be, 
58 


Cast  into  Lethe  all  sorrow  and  sadness, 
Think  of  His  mercies  so  boundless  and 
free. 
For  joy  of  living 

Gratefully  raise 
Psalms  of  Thanksgiving, 
Paeans  of  praise. 


A  CHRISTMAS  LAY 

I  ARK !    List  a  song 
Once  borne  along 
By  myriad  angels  through 

the  sky; 

Loud,  loud  they  raise 
A  hymn  of  praise: 
Their  " Glory  be  to  God  on  high!" 
Once   seraphs   sang  to   sound  creation's 

birth, 

Once  more,  when  earth's  Creator  came  to 
earth. 

List !    Hear  again 
A  loud  sweet  strain 
59 


Eap 


From  mortal  men  ascending,  clear! 
0  seraphs,  say 
What  theme  to-day 

Is  heavenward  borne  from  far  and  near  1 
1  'Rejoice,  0  sons  of  men,  this  holy  morn, 
For  Christ,  our  King,  th'  Incarnate  God  is 
born ! ' ' 


1 ' Peace,"  the  heavenly  choirs  once  sang: 
Ether  plains  their  ''Goodwill"  rang: 
But  the  anthem  ne'er  shall  cease, 
Where  abides  the  Prince  of  Peace. 
Peace  with  men,  all  brothers  here, 
Peace  with  self,  that  casts  out  fear, 
Peace  with  Nature 's  plans  brings  He, 

Peace  with  God  eternally. 

******* 

Dense  was  the  gloom  over  Judea  brooding ; 
Crushed  was  its  heart,  deferred  hope 

nearly  gone : 
Dim  were  the  stars  shedding  light  o'er 

its  pathway: 

Dark  was  the  night  before  broke  the 
bright  dawn. 

60 


&  Cfjristma* 

Prophets  and  shepherds  and  sages  were 
waiting, 

Longing,  expectant,  Messiah  to  greet; 
Heavenward  gazing,  a  sign  beckons  o 

ward: 

Lo!  the  bright  Day-star  leads  them  to 
His  feet. 


on- 


Lowly,  before  Him,  in  deep  adoration, 
Offering  rich  gifts  to  Him,  humbly  they 

fall: 
See  in  the  Christ-child,  earth-born  in  a 

manger, 
Monarch,  Messiah,  and  Savior  of  all. 


Shine  on  forever,  0  bright  Star  of  Morn 
ing: 

Pierce  with  Thy  radiance  the  sin-dark 
ened  earth : 
Lead  all  the  sons  of  men,  bearing  their 

treasures, 

Him  to  adore,  who  has  come  of  such 
birth! 

61 
MGL, 


ft  Christmas  £ap 

Wonderful,  Counselor,  King  Everlasting, 
Son  of  Man,  Prince  of  Peace,  thee  we 

would  call, 
Day-spring  and  Morning  Star,  bright  Sun 

of  Glory, 

We,  too,  will  worship  Thee,  great  All-in- 
All! 


62 


NEAR^HE  HEART'S  SHRINE 


SYMPATHY 

ES,  friend,  I  thank  thee  for  the  per 
fumed  note, 
The  formal  call,  the  chosen  word 

polite, 

When  in  my  dark  Gethsemene  I  walked, 
And  to  its  dregs  drank  Grief's  most  bitter 

cup; 

I  feel  thou  meant  it  well.   But  0  say  not 
' '  I  sympathize  with  thee ! ' '   Say, ' '  I  would 

help," 

Or,  ' 'I  so  pity  thee."    Of  sympathy 
Breathe  no  false  sound.     But  if  I  only 

know 
Thou  too,  hast  felt  the  selfsame  anguish 

keen, 
Hast  drank  the  bitter  wormwood  and  the 

gall, 

Hast  sought  through  black  despair,  the 
gleam  of  light, 


of  liitt 


Then  words  are  needless :  then  the  welling 

tear, 

The  pressure  of  the  hand,  are  eloquent : 
Then  come  to  me  with  healing  sympathy, 
With  power  and  right  to  touch  my  wound 

with  balm. 

THE  LOVE  OF  LIFE 

HY  do  I  love  thee,  Life!     For 

many  a  thorn 
Along  thy  rugged  path  my  feet 

have  pressed, 
And  thou  hast  taught  me  I  may  never 

rest, 
Yea,  sorrow  sore  my  sad  heart  oft  has 

torn; 
And  yet  I  love  thee,  Life,  and  bless  the 

morn 
Thou  cam'st.    From  Atropos  I  shrink; 

shrink  lest 
She  snap  the  fatal  thread  and  still  my 

breast, 

And  light  the  load  my  heavy  heart  has 
borne. 

66 


Yet  on  my  way  bright  fragrant  flowers  I've 
culled, 

Picked    dappled    shells    along    Time's 

f ronded  shore, 
Lodged  Faith  and  Hope  and  Joy,  guests 

from  above, 
Who  oft  to  sweet  content  my  soul  have 

lulled: 
But  there's  a  tie  binds  me  to  thee  far 

more, 
I  love  thee,  Life,  since  thou  hast  brought 

me  Love. 


PRAYER 

S  the  child  rests  in  its  mother's  em 
brace, 

So  sinks  the  soul  in  the  prayer-hal 
lowed  place : 

Mute  adoration,  petition  or  praise, 
There  in  the  Holy  of  Holies  to  raise. 

Out  of  the  storm  and  the  tumult  and  strife, 
Out  of  the  whirlpools  and  eddies  of  life, 
67 


Into  a  peaceful  calm  nothing  can  move, 
Into  the  haven  of  God's  changeless  love. 

Out  of  the  transient,  the  common,  the  base, 
Into  the  smile  of  the  Father's  own  face: 
Out  of  the  groping  in  darkness  of  night, 
Into  the  radiance  of  heaven's  clear  light. 

Out  of  our  narrowness  into  a  space 
Large  as  the  bounds  of  His  infinite  grace : 
Out  of  our  weakness  and  ignorance  dense 
Into  a  limitless  omnipotence. 

Out  of  the  earthly,  the  finite,  the  frail, 
Into  the  sacred  shekinah,  whose  veil 
Shadows   God's  presence — a  blissful  re 
treat, 
Where  the  created  their  Creator  meet. 

KECOMPENSE 

OD  laid  His  finger  once  again  on  Na 
ture's  sleeping  form, 
The. yearly  miracle  was  wrought: 

ethereal  spring  was  born. 
With  measured  tread  I  wound  my  way 
from  city  toil  and  strife, 
68 


Errompense 

And  sought  surcease  of  care  to  find,  'mid 
budding,  joyous  life. 

Beside  a  laughing,  gurgling  rill,  on  velvet 
mossy  mound, 

'Neath  canopy  of  forest  shade,  dear  Na 
ture's  shrine  I  found. 

By  fleecy  clouds  the  azure  dome  of  sunny 
skies  was  flecked, 

And  chorus  hymeneal  burst  from  songsters 
gaily  decked. 

0  Nature !  sure  restorer  thou  of  body,  heart 
and  brain, 

Physician  mild  and  soothing  thou,  to  sor 
row,  toil  and  pain; 

Yielding  to  thee,  the  heart  grows  strong, 
hope  dawns,  night  flees  away, 

Thy  soothing  voice  to  darkened  souls  por 
tends  a  brighter  day. 

And  mine  was  dark :  around  my  path  were 

shadows  thickly  strewn; 
Sorrow  and  death  had  touched  my  life,  and 

burdens  weighty  grown; 
69 


rcompcnse 


But  there  by  gentle  zephyrs  fanned,  new- 
lade  with  perfume  faint, 

The  pent-up  font  of  grief  was  oped,  out 
poured  the  bitter  plaint. 

"0  Mother  Nature,"  soft  I  cried,  "canst 
thou  to  me  unfold 

This  checkered  mystery  of  life,  this  prob 
lem  never  old ! 

Say,  why,  if  God  is  just  and  kind,  and  loves 
His  children  all, 

Should  sorrow,  sin  and  sickness  blight,  re 
lentless  Death  appall!" 

Then  deep  as  space  the  silence  grew  in  that 
lone  leafy  dell, 

While  thoughts  ran  on,  the  eyelids  drop 
ped,  I  yielded  to  the  spell. 

The  Presence,  then,  pervading  all,  my  spir 
it  seemed  to  seize, 

And  to  my  inmost  soul  her  voice  came 
floating  on  the  breeze. 

"His  creature,  I,  Who  over  all  in  wisdom 
rules  alone, 

70 


EUcompengr 

And  thee,  more  great  than  I,  He  made,  His 

sovereign  power  to  own: 
And  forming  me,  He  gave  thee  skill  my 

secrets  all  to  guess, 
Lent  thee  the  key  to  treasures  vast  that 

might  thy  being  bless. 

"Man  chains  the  lightning's  deadly  power; 
reveals  earth's  richest  stores : 

With  aided  eye,  the  secrets  deep  of  distant 
suns  explores : 

Wild  bird  and  beast,  insect  and  herb,  are 
pliant  in  his  hand, 

All,  save  himself,  in  my  broad  realm,  sub 
mits  to  his  command. 


' '  Still,  though  to  him  I  yield  rich  stores  of 

treasures  for  his  weal, 
Cold  is  his  heart,  and  blind  his  eyes  to 

truths  I  would  reveal ; 
But  if  thy  soul  seek  lesson  sweet  from  me, 

this  balmy  morn, 
Ope  wide  thine  eyes,  the  vesture  see,  I  have 

these  ages  worn. 
71 


"Full,  rich,  refreshing  robes  of  green  thy 

wearied  eyes  now  greet; 
A  purling,  fern-fringed,  rippling  rill  winds 

dancing  at  thy  feet; 
Soft  zephyrs  croon,  light  snow-clouds  drift 

o'er  yon  cerulean  dome, 
While  feathered  choirs  ecstatic  voice  their 

joy  that  spring  has  come. 

"Drink  to  its  full  this  gladdening  draught, 

then  backward  turn  thine  eye 
Through  six  short  moons :  the  year  is  old : 

chill  is  the  air,  and  high 
In  branches  bare,  forsaken  nests  tell  that 

sweet  birds  have  flown; 
A  coat  of  mail  this  swift  brook  steels; 

earth  cold  and  dead  has  grown. 

"A  tiny  worm,  'mid  scenes  so  bleak,  wailed 

out  one  bitter  day, 
'Why  hast  Thou  thus,  0  cruel  One,  Thy 

smile  withdrawn  for  aye! 
Gone  are  the  sun's  warm  genial  rays,  green 

trees  and  fragrant  flowers, 
72 


The  velvet  turf,  the  warbling  choirs;  past 
are  all  happy  hours. ' 

' '  So  blind  thy  faith,  0  seeking  soul,  as  yet 

thou  dost  not  see 
Eternal  spring,  perpetual  day,  all  summer, 

cannot  be ; 
The  earth  must  rest,  the  night  must  soothe, 

clouds  grateful  shadows  cast, 
Warped  were  the  world,  its  green  robes 

sere,  should  summer  always  last. 

'  *  Day  follows  night,  rest  follows  toil,  after 

the  bitter,  sweet: 
Yea,  life  itself  from  death  must  come,  this 

is  the  order  meet. 
Canst  thou  the  lesson  learn  from  this,  0 

spirit  searching  deep? 
Canst  not  thy  spring  foresee,  while  yet  the 

cold  blasts  o'er  thee  sweep? 


"Though  wintry  winds  thy  soul  oft  chill, 
the  sun  his  face  conceal, 
73 


£ifff)t  tot 


l?our 


Though  sorrow,  pain  and  anguish  rack, 

know  this  is  but  the  seal 
Of  brighter  days:  the  Father  would  thy 

chastened  heart  prepare 
For  peace  undreamed,  joy  unalloyed,  and 

ripened  fruitage  rare." 

As  through  a  rifted  cloud,  the  light  streams 

o  'er  a  shadowy  way, 
So  hope  serene,  illumed  my  soul,  its  night 

broke  into  day, 
And  sweet  peace  brooded  like  a  dove,  then 

on  my  spirit  fell : 
I   raised   my   eyes    and   murmured   low, 

"Dear  Father,  all  is  well." 

LIGHT  FOE  THE  DAEK  HOUE. 

THINK,   dear   heart,   as   shadows 

lower, 
And  o  'er  the  path  beams  no  bright 

ray, 

Though  bitter  grief  well  nigh  o  'erpower, 
The  sun  will  shine  some  other  day. 
74 


patience 

A  rainbow  clear  is  spanned  for  thee, 
Hope's  promise,  lighting  up  thy  way, — 

As  is  the  weight,  the  strength  shall  be, 
The  sun  will  shine  some  other  day. 

Fresh  courage  take,  sad  one,  and  lift 
Thine  eyes  above  these  shadows  gray, 

If  Faith  the  cloud  pierce,  through  the  rift 
The  sun  will  even  shine  to-day. 

Sweet  birds  will  sing,  bright  flowers  will 
bloom, 

This  sorrow,  too,  will  pass  away, 
Light  flood  again  thy  path  of  gloom, 

The  sun  will  shine  some  other  day. 

PATIENCE 

1IVE  on,  0  life  of  mine! 
Though  often  thou  dost  yearn  to 

be  at  rest, 
He  who  hath  lent  thee  life,  hath  thought  it 


Patience 

Work  on,  0  hands  of  mine ! 
Ennobling  thought  that  even  thou  canst 

share 
A  part  with  God  in  making  earth  more 

fair; 

Then  labor  calmly  on,  and  to  complain, 
forbear, 
Fulfilling  His  design. 

Trust  on,  0  heart  of  mine ! 
Though  dark  the  way  and  rough  the  angry 

sea, 

Thy  Pilot  holds  the  helm,  thy  Father  beck 
ons  thee: 

One  guides  the  course  of  every  songster 
free, 
To  Him  thine  all  resign. 

Sing  on,  0  soul  of  mine  1 
Sing  gongs  of  faith  and  hope  and  joy  and 

cheer, 

Outsound  the  discord  grating  on  thine  ear, 
And  bring  celestial  music,  sweet  and  clear 

To  lonelier  hearts  than  thine. 
76 


THE  CATSKILLS  BEAUTIFUL 

HEN  on  Hudson's  placid  bosom 
Floating  dreamily,  thee  I  view, 

Thou  art  like  celestial  mountains 
Billowed   'gainst  thy  dome  of 
blue. 

Now,  the  fleecy  cloudlet  nestles 

On  the  mothering  hillside's  breast, 

Or  in  witching  contest  wrestles 
With  the  sunlit  mountain  crest. 

Now,  the  tortuous  rushing  streamlet 
Bounding  wildly  toward  the  sea, 

Lures  me  'side  its  playful  madness, 
Wondrous  secrets  whispering  me. 

Now,  the  sun  in  setting  splendor 
Glints  thy  hillsides  with  his  beams, 

Showering  with  his  shimmering  opals 
Hamlet,  forest,  glade  and  streams. 

Now,  the  distant  summit  nearing, 
Far  beneath,  rock,  fall  and  clove, 
79 


Bpl  of  t&e 


Purest  heaven-swept  breezes  fan  me, 
Blue  th'  unpillared  arch  above. 

Then,  afar  all  din  and  tumult, 
Strength  anew  thou  dost  impart, 

Peace,  repose  and  joy  exultant 
Calm  my  restless,  weary  heart. 

AN  IDYL  OF  THE  HUDSON 

N  thou  glidest,  ever  flowing 

To  the  sea, 
Eapture,  daily  new,  bestowing 

Upon  me : 

Oft  thy  rare  charms,  maidlike,  vaunting, 
Thy  wierd  witching  beauty  flaunting, 
Thy  strange  siren  music  haunting, 
Lure  to  thee. 

Like  the  fleecy  cloudlet,  shifting 

Through  the  sky, 
On  thy  tranquil  bosom  drifting, 

Oft  I  lie; 

To  my  soul  my  being  lending, 
Sight  and  sound  in  rapture  blending, 
Through  the  senses  thrills  unending 

Ecstacy. 

80 


^ 


an  3dpi  of  tfie 

Here,  the  mountain  cascade,  pouring 

Feathery  foam, 
Leaps,  exultant,  from  its  roaring 

Forest  home ! 

Now,  through  rocky  islets  bounding, 
With  thy  waters  blue  confounding, 
Oceanward,  its  song  still  sounding 

On  shall  roam. 
Bed  men  named  thy  source  entrancing, 

"Tear-cloud  lake," 
Thence  thy  way,  thy  spell  enhancing, 

Thou  dost  take: 

Soon,  thy  charming  banks,  thy  prison, 
Thy  far  briny  home,  thy  vision, 
Left,  are  sylvan  scenes  elysian 

In  thy  wake. 
Save,  0  stream,  our  folk-lore  dying, 

E'er  'tis  flown; 
Tiber,  Ehine  and  Boon  outvying, 

All,  outshone : 

Home  of  legend,  song  and  story, 
Haunt  of  fay,  gnome,  spectre  hoary, 
Beauty's  shrine:  all  this,  thy  glory 

Is  our  own. 
6  81 


APOSTROPHE  TO  WESTMINSTER 
ABBEY 


NGLAND'S  and  ours!    Not  less  for 
waves  and  space 

Of  myriad  leagues  have  we  thy  spell 

possessed 
Than  they  whose  soil  through  centuries 

thou  hast  blest : 
Thy  fame  and  great  renown  are  not  of 

place. 

Body  and  spirit  thou.    In  stony  lace, 
Grand,  stately  and  sublime,  thy  form  is 

dressed, 

Thy  soul  composed  of  such  as  have  com 
pressed 
Their  years  most  close,  in  varied  state  and 

race. 

Statesman  and  toiler,  actor,  king  and  seer, 
Saint,   worldling,   rivals,  babes   and   age 

there  rest 
And  blend  their  dust,  as  on  Life's  drama 

plays. 

Majestic  Pile !    Stand  Aegis  till  the  year 
82 


Bermuda,  t&e  Bride  of  tfje  fee  a 

Of  peace  shall  dawn ;  until  the  Saxon  blest 
Teach  Brotherhood  to  man,  and  Love's 
wide  ways. 

BERMUDA,  THE  BRIDE  OF  THE  SEA 

S  Ho!  from  the  sound  of  the  city's 

deep  roar, 
From  dull  carping  care  to  be  free, 
From  sights  that  offend,  from  customs  that 

bore, 
From  dense  restless  crowds  surging  on 

evermore. 
Its  Ho !  for  the  bride  of  the  sea. 

Its  Ho !  for  the  beautiful  coral-girt  land, 
Where,  rampant  on  rock,  hill  and  tree, 

The  wild  flower  o  'erruns,  the  stately  palms 
stand, 

The  lily,  alyssum,  the  maidenferns  blend 
To  veil  the  chaste  bride  of  the  sea. 

Its  Ho!  for  the  isles'  crystal  caves,  where 

resound 

Old  Ocean's  deep  wrath  or  high  glee. 
83 


Bermuda,  ttjt  Bride  of  tije 


Its   Ho!  for   clear   channels,   sun-kissed, 

jewel-crowned, 
Like  turquoise  and  opal  and  sapphire  en- 

wound 
To  garland  the  bride  of  the  sea. 

Near  gardens  submerged,  where  play  finny 

tribes  bright, 

Near  Nature's  warm  heart  would  I  be, 
In  th'  dew-tempered  clime,  where,  in  fra 

grance  and  light 
No  ice-breath  may  chill,  no  burning  blast 

blight 
The  breeze-embraced  bride  of  the  sea. 


Love  ill  brooks  delay,  isles  enchanted  and 

blest, 

Near  thee  and  thy  beauty  to  be, 
Where  tropical  birds  in  their  gay  crimson 

crest, 
With  sweet  carols  welcome  each  visitant 

guest 
Who  honors  the  bride  of  the  sea. 


OF  THE  LITTLE  ONES 


TO  THE  MOTHER  OF  A  BABE 

CHE  Author  of  all  being  once  passed 
by. 

Into  thy  waiting  hearts  and  out 
stretched  hands 
He  dropped  a  feather  from  Love's  wing. 

From  bourne 
Unknown,  life  came.     For  a  brief  space 

which  we 

Call  time,  in  clay  was  bound  a  spirit  bright. 
Being  commenced  which  should  be  but  be 
gun 
When  worlds  and  systems  shall  be  rolled 

away, 
And  Time  shall  be  no  more.    No  wonder 

new, 

But  miracle  to  thee,  that  it  was  thine. 
Thy  thoughtless,  selfish  heart  He  touched : 

made  thee 
To  know  a  taste  of  love  like  His  divine, 


87 


thee 
From  thought  of  self,  transformed  thee, 

then,  to  one 
Like  angel  bright.     For  that  dear  clay 

thou'lt  pain 
And  weariness  endure,  e'en  peril  life. 

Oh !  lot  most  sad,  when  these  sweet  opening 

buds, 
Fresh   garnered  from  the  fair  celestial 

fields, 
No  welcome  feel,  when  first  they  touch 

earth-shore ! 

Then,  tender  untried  feet  must  learn,  alone, 
Without  a  loving  guide,  life's  thorny  path 
To  tread.  With  jostle  rude  they're  hurried 

on, 

E  'en  driven  into  the  path  of  sin  and  crime, 
And  no  kind  hand  points  to  a  better  way. 
Down,  down  they  go  1    'Tis  not  as  it  should 

be, 
And  God,  our  Good  and  Just,  will  not  of 

them 

Eequire  full  talents  ten. 
88 


of  a 

But  thine 's  a  gem 
Most  rare,  its  setting  choice.     Through 

azure  eyes, 
Or  rich  dark  hue,  perchance,  thou  dost  a 

soul 
Most  pure  discern.    His  cheek  of  downy 

peach 
Against  thine  own  impress.     On  marble 

brow 

And  ruby  lips  thy  fervent  kiss  implant. 
And  as  those  coral  finger-tips  reach  out 
In  mute  and  touching  inquiry  to  feel 
For  something  yet  unknown  on  which  to 

cling, 

Thou  tenderly  dost  close  them  in  thine  own 
Strong  palm,  as  though  to  say,  "Best,  love, 

in  mine, 
Thy  frail  and  trusting  hand.    I'll  lead  thee 

on." 

So  much  has  he  to  learn,  and  teacher,  thou ! 
Thinkst  thou,  because  thou  canst  not  un 
derstand 
His  angel  speech,  he  cannot  fathom  thee? 

89 


Co  tfie  Qpot&er  of  a  Babe 


Nay,  nay !  Thy  smile,  thy  frown,  thy  touch, 

thy  tone 
He  knows  full  well.    His  pliant  mind  and 

soul, 

0  mother  blest,  into  thy  gentle  hand 
Is  given,  and  thou  canst  mould  and  fashion 

it 
For  its  long  home.    Lov'st  thou  the  setting 

rare? 
Dost  oft  embrace  the  tender  form  and 

press 
It  to  thy  breast  ?    Holdst  that  dear  piece  of 

clay 

Between  thine  eyes  and  thy  child's  God? 
Know  then,  that  unto  thee  is  only  lent 
For  thy  most  sacred  touch  that  pliant  form 
And  soul ;  and  with  the  eye  of  gratitude 
Look  up  and  say :  "  0  Parent  mine,  I  thank 
Thee  now,  that  Thou  dost  deem  me  worthy 

this 

To  hold.    It  is  thine  own,  I  know,  but  yet 
Through  me,  guide  Thou  my  child.    Yea, 


even  now 
Thy  loving  voice 


I  hear,  as  when  of  old 
90 


Captor 

To   Moses'  mother  the  king's  daughter 

spoke, 
And  said,  'This  child  take  thou  and  for  it 

care, 
And  I  thy  wages  will  give  thee.'  " 

MY  CAPTOR 

WIZARD  wee, 
."With  saucy  glee, 
Has  snared  me  in  his  toils ; 
With  cunning  art, 
He's  stolen  my  heart, 
And  round  it  wound  his  coils. 


He  charms,  he  woes, 

He  mocks,  he  cooes, 
Exults  his  wand  to  wield ; 

His  scepter  sweet 

Knows  no  defeat, 
All  hearts  their  homage  yield. 


In  vain  I  plead 
A  great  world's  need, 
And  time's  swift-flowing  stream; 
91 


Captor 

My  whole  world  lies 
In  his  blue  eyes, 
And  there  I  dream  and  dream. 

Despite  the  haze 

That  veils  my  gaze 
Through  unknown  vistas  dim, 

I  still  must  dream, 

For  life's  hopes  seem 
To  center  all  in  him. 


In  Love's  wierd  light, 

This  winsome  sprite, 
In  mind  and  form  unfolds, 

Till,  seasons  fled, 

A  youth,  instead, 
My  searching  eye  beholds. 

A  noble  youth, 

Whose  lips  breathe  truth, 
Whose  heart  and  hands  are  won 

To  see  earth's  needs, 

To  do  great  deeds, 
Ere  life's  swift  sands  be  run. 
92 


SL  OUdcomt  to 


Then,  pine  not,  heart, 

Nor  heed  the  dart 
Of  pain  that  pierces  sore, 

For  fettered  hands 

And  futile  plans, 
And  each  swift-flying  hour. 

This  thought  is  dear : 

Though  we  win  here 
Not  all  for  which  we've  striven, 

Our  unattained 

May  yet  be  gained 
By  those  our  love  we've  given. 


A  WELCOME  TO  BABY 

~jTf  BREATHED  a  prayer,  deep,  thought- 
jj          ful,  earnest,  low, 

That  I  Life's  holiest,  sweetest  joy 

might  know. 
I  dreamed.    I  woke.    An  answered  prayer 

was  mine : 
Love  had  bestowed  a  priceless  boon  divine. 


SL  Wtltomt  to  Babp 

Of  all  fair  forms  in  earth,  or  air,  or  sea, 
To  what,  fair  creature,  might  one  liken 
thee! 

To  budding  flower,  transferred  from  heav 
enly  fields, 

Which  beauty,  fragrance,  purity,  reveals! 
Or  Peri  pearl  whose  rare  worth  none  may 

guess, 
A  priceless  gem,  our  store  enriched,  to 

bless! 
Or  bird  empyreal,  plumed  for  mundane 

wing, 

Caged,  so  celestial  tones  to  earth  to  bring! 
Or  new  risen  star,  whose  glad  ray  gleaming 

glows, 
And  o'er  our  path  clear  radiant  beams  now 

throws! 

Or  form  seraphic,  skilled  in  angel  speech, 
Who  comes,  their  tongue  and  ways  to  us  to 

teach! 


Nay,  treasure  mine,  with  thee  nought  can 
compare, 

94 


&  ttBiIcom*  to 

Than  earthly  all,  more  beauteous,  pure  and 
rare; 

Thou  Breath  of  Life,  God  breathed,  and 
named  thee,  Soul, 

Fresh  from  His  hand,  immortal,  sinless, 
whole, 

A  type  of  Faith,  Hope,  Love  to  earth 
thou'rt  given: 

Of  such,  One  said,  the  kingdom  is,  of  heav 
en. 


^    Bonnie  bairn,  fair  winsome  sprite, 
Come  to  make  one  home  more  bright, 
Glad  we  ope  our  arms  to  meet  you, 
Happier  hearts  could  never  greet  you. 

Tiny  craft  on  Life's  rough  sea, 
Prosperous  may  thy  voyage  be, 
Gentle  zephyrs  croon  around  thee, 
Soon  will  wild  rough  gales  have  found  thee. 

Heavenly  Pilot,  guide  this  bark, 
O'er  Life's  angry  waves  and  dark; 
95 


Si  mtltvmt  to 

Voyage  o'er,  tired,  tempest-driven, 
Anchor  safe  in  heaven's  haven. 


Were't  mine  to  choose  from  elfin  store, 
Wealth,  beauty,  power,  or  learning's  lore, 
To  crown  thy  earthly  lot  with  bliss, 
I'd  all  refuse,  I'd  crave  but  this: 

Hands  tender  grown  by  kindly  deeds, 
Mild  eyes,  alert  for  others'  needs, 
Ears  quick  to  hear  the  lowliest  cry, 
Voice  tuned  to  sing  Love's  melody, 
Feet  swift  to  run  at  Mercy's  call, 
Tongue  uttering  welcomed  words  to  all, 
Heart  pure  as  snow,  replete  with  love, 
Grant,  heaven,  that  thus  our  darling  prove, 
Then  shall  the  world  far  brighter  be, 
The  Life  and  Love  found  us  in  thee. 


THE  EETUBNED  MESSENGER 

CROSS  the  way  the  gentle  zephyr 

sways 
The  snowy  emblem  of  a  poignant 

grief. 

And  since  I,  too,  have  felt  Death's  keen, 
cold  breath, 

I  may  their  anguish  ease  with  sympathy. 

******* 

From  marble  white  was  never  chiselled 

shape 

So  wondrous  fair,  as  held  this  spirit  pure. 
The  windows  of  the  soul  are  curtained  low, 
For  life  has  fled.    Those  eyes  seraphic  gaze 
In  wonder  now  into  the  face  of  Him 
Who   said,   "My  kingdom  is   of  these." 

With  curls 
Whose  sunshine  tarries  still,  the  smooth 

high  brow 
Is  fringed;   while   on  the  lips   so   often 

pressed 
By  mother's  sacred  touch,  a  smile  now 

rests : 
'Twas  answer  glad  at  the  last  breath,  I 


ween, 


97 


Erturiua 

To  angel's  beck  to  come,  and  lingers  yet. 

The  waxen  fingers  clasp  a  rosebud  fair, 

Appointed,  like  itself,  never  to  feel 

Nor  blight  of  age,  nor  canker  worm,  nor 
chill 

Of  blast  too  rude.    Both  plucked  in  bud 
ding  time. 

Kind  friends  have  gently  placed  the  sleep 
ing  form 

In  narrow  couch  of  white,  and  round  it  laid 

Sweet     fragrant     flowers     and     twining 
wreaths  of  green. 

Tread   softly  and   speak   low,    'tis  holy 
ground: 

A  form  seraphic  has  to  heaven  returned 

To  thither  bear  the  news  of  trust  fulfilled. 

For  didst  thou  dream,  kind  friend,  it  was 
thine  own? 

Didst  plan  for  that  sweet  life  and  shape 
career 

To  suit  thy  sovereign  will,  and  thought  a 
bark 

So  frail,  so  tender  built,  could  sail  alone 
98 


On  life's  tempestuous  sea,  and  breast  the 

waves 
That  nigh  o'ercome  thy  soul?   It  could  not 

be; 

But  the  All-Good  sent  thee  a  messenger, 
Eich  lessons  to  impart.  Of  hope  serene 
To  thy  tired  heart  he  sung:  of  boundless 

love, 

Implicit  trust,  and  purity  unsoiled, 
He  daily  spoke  to  thee.    The  messenger 
Thou  didst  enshrine.    Didst  thou  the  mes 
sage  hear  ? 

Let  not  thy  grief,  unutterably  deep, 
So  weigh  thee  down,  thou  clasp  but  empty 

earth. 
Look  up,  and  if  thou  heardst  aright,  thy 

heart 
His  kingdom  shall  possess,  and  thou  canst 

trust 

Thy  Parent  good,  e'en  as  the  child  did  thee. 
And  though  a  snowy  shroud  shall  mantle 

him, 

And  silent  rooms,  arms  emptied,  robes  un 
used, 

99 


Returned  2$r  gsengrt 

But  mock  expectancy,  yet  backward  turn 
To  hours  serene,  when  thou  didst  entertain 
Celestial  guest,  and  then  shape  thou  thy 

life 

In  Love  and  Hope  and  Innocence  and  Joy, 
E  'en  as  he  bade.    So  bitter  grief  shall  turn 
To  holy  peace,  and  as  he  beckons  thee, 
Thou   canst   return   the   answer   glad — I 

come. 


MISCELLANEOUS 


ASPIBATION 

HAT  is  it  to  be  great? 
To  carve  a  name  on  Fame's 

fair  portal  high, 

And  hear  it  sounded  far  as  wild  birds  fly, 
And  know  'twill  live  while  centuries  speed 
by? 
To  few  may  come  this  fate. 

The  great  high  price  must  pay. 
They  walk  alone  and  slow,  who  seem  to 

leap, 
With  purpose  firm,  toil  ceaseless,  vision 

deep, 

To  Honor's  shrine  the  path  is  rough  and 
steep, 
And  lonely  is  the  way. 

The  least  may  win  the  prize. 
'Tis  resolutely  to  the  best  to  cling, 
To  every  thought  and  deed  high  purpose 

bring, 

And  through  all  ills  a  song  of  joy  to  sing, 
Therein  true  greatness  lies. 
103 


Si  U?mn  of 


To  thy  best  self  be  true. 
In  mould  of  Dante's  soul  thou  wast  not 

cast, 
Nor    thoughts    of    Milton,    Shakespeare, 

Goethe  hast, 

Nor  had  they  thine:  —  thy  time  is  now, 
theirs  past, 
Not  their  work,  but  thine,  do. 

He  who  is  good,  is  great  : 
Whose  soul  is  free  from  guile,  transparent, 

pure, 

Whose  deed  is  honest,  whose  word,  sure, 
Who  bravely  all  misfortune  can  endure, 

On  him  high  honors  wait. 


A  HYMN  OF  PEACE 

OW,  o'er  the  fairest  land  of  all  the 

Dove  of  Peace  is  hovering — 
A  white-winged  harbinger  of  rest, 

bearing  the  olive  bough. 
She  wavers  on  her  wearied  wing,  seeks  sur 
cease  from  her  roving, 
104 


of  Peace 

And   o'er   Columbia's   sacred   soil   she 
poises,  brooding  low, 

And  rests.   No  tocsin  calls  to  slay,  nor  mar 
tial  music  pealing, 
Incites  to  conquest,  fires  the  blood,  the 

victor 's  spoils  to  win ; 
And  wavering  commerce  halts  no  more,  nor 

loved  ones  are  concealing 
The  grim  suspense  that  gnaws  the  heart. 
Stilled  is  the  battle's  din. 

No  longer,  'neath  a  dome  full-flecked  by 

shimmering  stars,  heart-riven, 
The    soldier-boy   dreams   longingly   of 

comfort,  friends  and  home ; 
But  Glory  waves  her  ampler  folds,  and  to 

us  Peace  has  given 

United  hearts,  ennobled  lives,  and  sor 
row's  sweetened  bloom. 


Let  joyful  hearts  unite  to-day  in  paeans 
loud,  expressing 

105 


of  Peace 

Praise  to  the  Power  immutable  that  hath 

these  marvels  wrought — 
A  widened  realm,  oppression  crushed,  and 

fettered  peoples  blessing 
Their  captors  for  unfettered  hands — 

with  blessing  all  was  fraught. 

The  world  in  wonder  sees  our  land  invest 
ed  with  strange  power, 
Once,    blood-baptized,    then    sealed    in 

prayer,  now  striking  tyrants  low; 
Her  men,  enlightened,  love-impelled,  make 

craven  cowards  cower, 
Then,  conquering  all,  in  mercy  sweet,  be 
friend  the  conquered  foe. 

Eise,  0  Columbia,  to  the  plane  thy  duties 

new  have  brought  thee ! 
They  who  in  darkness  long  have  groped 

await  thy  radiant  light : 
Shine  clear,  not  blurred  with  crime  and 

sin,  and  to  the  low  who  sought  thee 
Speed  knowledge,  truth,  the  Word  di 
vine,  love  of  the  just  and  right. 
106 


Sin 

Sound  loud  the  clarion  note  of  peace,  a 

bugle  blast  set  ringing; 
From  torrid  zone  to  frozen  pole,  the 

Truce  of  God  proclaim, 
For  kings  on  mighty  thrones  seek  peace, 

the  halcyon  days  are  winging, 
When  only  love  for  human-kind  shall 
human  hearts  inflame. 


AN  EVENING  BEVEEIE 

NOTHEE  winged  day  had  o'er  me 

sped. 

Its  toil  complete,  its  sweetness  sup 
ped,  I  hied 

For  meditation's  peace  to  hither  hill. 
'Tis  well  to  loose  our  hold  on  sordid  care, 
To   'scape  the  maddening  rush  of  petty 

toil, 
And,  'neath  soft  skies,  or  curtained  woody 

dale, 
List  to  the  heart's  lone  beat,  or  catch  the 

sound 

Of  Nature's  soothing  voice,  or  holier  still, 
107 


Ctenfng 

Commune  with  Nature's  God.    Yet  how  all 

haste, 

Lured  on  by  hope,  to  tear  away  the  veil 
That  shields  to-morrow's  life,  and  reckon 

not 

That  in  to-day  has  been  enjoyed  the  full 
Of  richest  gift !    If  we  of  life,  health,  hope, 
This  day  had  ought,  to-morrow  cannot 

more, 

And  if  this  day  record  a  brightened  life, 
A  burden  raised,  a  sympathetic  tear 
For  other  shed,  because  as  yet  we  live, 
A  benediction  blest  shall  on  us  bide 
At  setting  of  the  sun. 

A  day  serene 

In  autumn's  golden  prime  was  folding  up 
Its  gorgeous  wings  of  light  and  speeding 

swift 

To  join  the  countless  retinue  of  days 
No  more  to  be  recalled.    On  rugged  brow 
Of  rocky  cliff,  I  sat  me  down.    Below, 
In  sluggish,  slow  content,  a  winding  stream 
Curved  idly  in  and  out,  on  either  side 
108 


doming 


By  grateful  willows  hemmed,  who  drank 

and  drank 
And  none  said,  Hold !    Across  the  verdant 

vale 

On  richly  tinted,  undulating  hills, 
The  gorgeous  orb  of  day,  a  golden  sphere, 
Was  hanging  low,  as  if  averse  to  leave 
A  scene  so  bright,  and  find  a  night's  repose, 
Though  couched  superb,  and  canopied  by 

clouds 

Of  crimson,  gold,  and  royal  purple  hues, 
And  flecked  by  shimmering  stars. 

The  rustic  bridge 
Was  bearing  to  their  homes  across  the 

stream 

The  tardy  toilers  of  the  day.    Each  heart 
I  hoped,  was  anchored  firm  in  circle  tried, 
Around    some    hearthstone    built,    where 

heaviest  weight 
Or  bitterest  grief,  a  burden  light  should 

seem, 

Since  others  shared  its  woe.    Bright  twin 
kling  lights 

109 


Sin  Ofttning 


Shone  clear  from  out  a  hundred  humble 

homes, 

Announcing  by  their  genial  radiant  beams, 
That  husband,  father,  brother  there  should 

find 
Each,  welcome  warm,  there  toil  and  care 

resign. 

What  varied  record  e'en  one  day  reveals! 
Neath  yonder  humble  roof,  a  spirit  bright 
Encased  in  tiny  mould  of  dust  hath  'scaped 
From  the  unknown,  and  harbor  found  at 

last 
From  whence  to  sail  on  Life's  tumultuous 

sea. 
And  'cross  the  way,  from  more  pretentious 

home, 
Was  borne  'mid  crushing  grief  of  wife  be 

reft 
And  orphaned  children's  wail,  the  strong, 

proud  man. 

But  yestermorn,  with  step  alert  and  sure, 
He  walked  the  streets  with  men.    To-night, 

the  stars 

110 


Sin  OEftenfng 


His   curving   roof   of   dust   shall   calmly 

guard, 

His  spirit,  progress  ever  onward  make 
Which  shall  outlast  yet  uncreated  suns. 
And  from  yon  village  tower  this  morn  rang 

out 
The  chimes  of  holiest  joy.    Its  hallowed 

walls 

Ee-echoed  gladly  plighted  vows  of  two 
Who  life's  long  race  as  one  shall  now  begin. 
0  ring  anathemas  on  those  who  seek 
The  easy  dissolution  of  such  troth! 
For  they,  whom  God  and  heaven  have  join 

ed  as  one, 
But  Death  should  disunite. 

In  many  homes 

Around,  to-day  as  yesterday  hath  been. 
Here,  Fortune's  smile  a  favored  few  en 

girt, 
Who  sought  its  hours  in  pleasure  to  be 

guile, 

Benumbed  to  their  own  fate  or  others' 
weal. 

Ill 


There,  'neath  a  shelter  scant,  which  win 
ter's  blast 

May    scatter    wide,    ill-fated    ones    have 
sought 

To  still  gaunt  hunger 's  gnaw,  or  may,  per 
haps 

Have  watched,  almost  in  hope,  near  dear 
one's  side, 

For   Death,   Sleep's   twin,   to   touch   the 
fevered  lips 

And  bid  the  struggle  cease. 

Some  homes,  so-called, 

Have  strife  and  selfishness  concealed.    Yet 
Love, 

Sweet  harbinger  from  heaven,  hath  sanc 
tified 

Elsewhere  that  holy  name,  and  knit  in 
bonds 

Like  steel,  the  hearts  that  cluster  'round 
the  hearth. 

Aye,   call  it  home,  indeed,   where   Love 
abides, 

And  deem  that  land  secure  where  such 
exist. 

112 


&n  Cfttnfng  iSUbe  de 


Yes,  one  day  more  o'er  all  the  earth  hath 

fled, 
And  thus  speeds  life.    And  to  its  varied 

warp 

Each  one,  to-day,  hath  form  and  color  lent, 
While  spinning  out  its  thread  of  precious 

hours. 

There  seems  to  be  an  order  definite, 
To  which,  from  chaos,  the  great  Architect, 
Through  eons   vast  would   sometime   all 

things  bring. 

He  so  placed  us,  that  in  our  little  day 
We  might  with  Him  each  a  co-worker  be, 
This  harmony  of  being  to  complete. 

'Tis  lately  said,  that  every  ray  of  light, 
Impinging  with  clear  touch  the  gladdened 

earth, 

Doth  to  the  practiced  ear,  a  sound  reveal, 
Without  whose  melody  would  be  disturbed 
The  music  of  the  spheres.    So  may  each 

day 

Sent  fresh  at  morn,  like  manna  to  the  Jews, 
See  at  its  close  our  part  completed  well, 
8  113 


Which,  left  undone,  might  His  great  plan 

impede. 

Then,  when  our  mortal  dress  is  laid  aside, 
And  we,  with  spirit  free  may  roam  at  will 
And  scan  the  perfect  whole,  no  vain  regret 
Shall  mar  our  joy  that  we  but  bunglers 

were: 

But  let  us  labor  on,  these  days  to  fill 
In  unison  with  our  great  Maker's  plan, 
And  as  each  morning's  sun  shall  light  the 

gloom, 

Eaise  glad  thanksgiving  that  our  eyes  be 
hold 
The  radiant  beams  of  yet  another  day  I 


THE  WEAVER 

SAW,  beyond  the  sea,  one  at  his  loom 
Weave  ceaselessly  through  years  of 

sun  and  gloom; 

The  tiniest  portion  done,  his  daily  care, 
Concealed  from  sight  the  peerless  pattern 
rare. 

114 


Though  he  a  fragment,  not  the  whole, 

might  see, 

Yet,  day  by  day,  with  closest  scrutiny 
He  placed  each  thread  of  shade  and  texture 

true, 
So,  as  the  famed  designer  willed,  it  grew. 

He  wrought  through  years.   A  tapestry,  at 

length, 
Superb    in    hue,    grace,    lineament    and 

strength, 

Adorned  its  niche  on  royal  walls,  and  won 
The  workman  from  the  Master,  his  "Well 

done." 

******* 

I  see  the  toilers  at  Life's  loom,  who  weave 
A  plan  outlined  by  God  in  heaven;  they 

grieve 

And  fret  while  at  the  daily  task  below, 
And  crave  the  Planer's  plan,  complete  to 

know. 

Too  humble,  too  concealed  their  task?  Nay, 
nay! 

115 


But  strand  on  strand  unceasingly  each  day 
The  warp  and  woof  must  blend :    Or  dark 

or  bright 
Is  no  concern.    The  later,  larger  sight, 

Time  o'er,  shall  sate  the  heart:  the  plaudit 

won 
From  Him  who  framed  the  stars  and  set 

the  sun 
The  due  reward.    Life's  Masterpiece  shall 

grace 
In  God's  Eternal  palace,  its  own  place. 

SOUL  THOUGHTS 

N,  Life,  thy  ceaseless  drama  still 

plays  on; 
'At  peace  or  strife  with  thy  strange 

plan,  each  one 
Acts  out  his  little  part. 
To-day,  by  sorrow's  pangs  the  soul  seems 

rent, 

In  mirth  and  revelry  the  morrow's  spent, 
For  fickle  is  the  heart. 
116 


feoul 

Joy  toys  with  grief;  rags,  wealth;   and 

tears  with  mirth; 
Success  and  failure  play ;  Death  laughs  at 

Birth; 

At  last  for  rest  we  call. 
Cease,  questioning  heart,  Life's  problems 

cease  to  solve, 
The  past,  the  soul,  the  future,  cease  to 

prove, — 
Their  mystery  but  appall. 

Our  course  lies  o'er  eternity's  vast  sea; 
A  moment  poised  'tween  past  and  future, 
we 

Lie  moored  to  Time's  green  isle: 
Its  fronded  shores  and  dappled  shells  de 
coy 

From  our  grave  destiny,  while  grief  and 
joy 
Scarce  wake  the  tear  or  smile. 

Unknown  the  way,  0  soul,  thy  bark  had 
sailed 

To  reach  this  port ;  thy  haven,  too,  is  close- 
veiled  : 

117 


Then  pause  upon  the  strand — 
With  steadfast  thought  the  Real  discern. 

And  Time, 
A  gift  in  which  thy  destiny  sublime 

Is  pliant  in  thy  hand. 

What,  then,  is  Life?    In  vain  we  strive  to 

guess 

The  sphinx.    Yet  'tis  a  chance,  I  ween,  to 
bless 

Some  lives  more  lone  than  ours : 
With  eye  of  faith,  a  heart  of  hope  to  woo ; 
With  hand  of  love  on  darker  paths  to 
strew 
Some  rare  and  fragrant  flowers. 

Thrice  happy  he  whose  trust  in  One,  su 
preme, 

Eemoves  the  shadowy  nightmares  of  life's 
dream ; 

Unruffled  calm  abides. 
No  child  is  he  of  blinded  fitful  fate — 
A  Euler,  Parent  wise,  in  love  most  great, 
He  knows  his  dim  way  guides. 
118 


BEATRICE 


OAN,  autumnal  winds,  soft  sighing, 
minor  strains  of  sadness  croon, 
For  my  heart  sings  minor  music,  and 

the  old  year  is  in  tune, 
While  the  hearthstone  embers,  dying,  o'er 

my  soul  strange  shadows  throw, 
And  the  fitful,  flickering  fire-tongues  form 

wierd  visions  in  their  glow. 
Sing,  dead  bird  upon  my  mantle,  as  for  her 

you  sang  with  pride, 

Faithful  image  on  my  easel,  speak  once 
more,  my  spirit  bride. 

She  my  own  was,  e'er  our  breath  was,  for 
our  mothers  in  their  teens, 

Vowed  their  children's  children  should  re 
peat  their  love  in  future  scenes. 

" Beatrice"    at    birth    they    called    her, 
"Beautiful,"  indeed,  and  fair 

As  the  chalice  of  the  calla,  choice  as  Peri 
pearl,  most  rare: 

"David,"  I,  "Beloved"  truly;  then  our 
mothers,  satisfied, 

Thought  of  David,  in  the  future,  true  to 
Beatrice,  his  bride. 
119 


Brattice 

So  we  grew.  In  school  and  meadow,  pass 
ed  our  childhood  days  in  song: 

Culled  the  oxeye  and  the  harebell,  wove 
green  leaves  in  garlands  long, 

Plucked  the  luscious  scarlet  cherries,  like 
her  lips  I  longed  to  press, 

Gathered  hazel,  beech  and  chestnut,  press 
ed  the  fern  and  watercress : 

Though  we  named  no  tie  that  bound  us,  we 
were  one,  and  none  dared  chide 

Love  'tween  David  and  the  fair  child  who 
should  one  day  be  his  bride. 

As  the  wondrous  snowy  cereus  shows  its 

glory  in  a  night, 
So  my  beauteous  bud  unfolded,  lovelier 

growing  in  Love's  light: 
Well  equipped  for  life's  stern  battle,  body 

strong  and  spirit  free, 
Pilot,  prophetess  and  pole-star,  she  should 

ever  be  to  me : 
Happiest  of  all  mortals  was  I  when  I  knew 

I  might  abide 

120 


Beatrice 

Safe  forever  in  the  constant  love  of  Bea 
trice,  my  bride. 

Years — a  halcyon  score  passed  o'er  us,  and 
the  day  of  days  sped  on, 

When  the  man  of  God  united  two  glad 
hearts,  and  made  them  one. 

In  the  eventide  we  sought  our  favored 
haunts  of  olden  time, 

E'er  the  steed  of  steam  should  bear  us  to 
our  home  in  distant  clime. 

There,  to  us  the  future 's  glowing  vista 
opened  broad  and  wide: 

Lover  never  loved  his  love,  as  I  loved  Bea 
trice,  my  bride. 

Then  we  rode  the  crystal  surface  of  the 
blue  lake's  peaceful  breast; 

Venus,  Star  of  Love,  shone  o'er  us,  by  the 
crescent  moon  caressed; 

Night's  sweet  symphony  resounded,  heav 
en  's  own  light  her  eyes  revealed 

As  she  toyed  the  glittering  circlet,  that  our 
troth  had  lately  sealed. 

But  she  sought  to  pluck  a  water-lily  sweep 
ing  by  our  side, 

121 


Beatrice 

Then,  ah  me !  the  jealous  waters  dark,  stole 
Beatrice,  my  bride. 

Though  in  snowy  wedding  garments  clad, 

we  laid  her  form  away, 
Still  my  darling  lives,  and  by  my  side  shall 

ever  with  me  stay. 
While  alone  I  seem  to  wander,  yet  she 

comes,  where  e'er  I  be, 
Sweet  white  water-lilies  bearing  emblems 

of  her  purity. 
On,  as  one,  we  bear  life's  burdens,  joy  and 

grief  are  sanctified, 
And  as  potter  moulds  the  moist  clay,  am  I 

fashioned  by  my  bride. 

Moan,  autumnal  winds,  soft  sighing,  minor 

strains  of  sadness  croon, 
Yet  the  spring  shall  come,  and  my  sad 

heart  shall  one  day  sing  in  tune. 
And  ye  dying  ashen  embers,  light  again 

my  sad  strange  dream, 
For  I've  ne'er  of  Lethe  tasted,  she  ne'er 

pressed  the  Stygian  stream. 
122 


Heaven's  bright  joys  shall  be  still  brighter, 

all  its  glory  glorified, 
When  I  clasp,  to  part  with  never,  Beatrice, 

my  angel  bride. 

FEIENDSHIP 

ONE  were  the  way  our  feet  would 

tread, 
Were  not  our  souls  in  friendships  wed ; 

With  fame  nor  health, 

Pleasure  nor  wealth, 
Can  hearts  with  hunger  sore  be  fed. 

They   are   thrice  blest  whose   souls   are 

bound 

By   friendship's    chains,    for    they   have 
found 

Life's  sorrows  fleet, 
Its  joys  more  sweet, 

Whose    lives    with    friendship    true    are 
crowned. 

'A  friend's  sweet  duty,  this,  I  ween, 
To  show  us  to  ourselves,  as  seen 
123 

Bfc, 


jfrienas&tp 

By  other  eyes; 

To  urge  our  rise 

To  higher  fields  wherein  to  glean. 
As  jewel  is  by  jewel  whet 
And  lustrous  grows,  so  friendship's  debt 

Is  often  paid 

By  censure-  laid 
On  flaws  the  less  sincere  would  pet. 

Like  tempered  steel  the  chain  shall  be 
That  binds  thy  trusted  friend  and  thee, 

If  each  link  true 

Is  welded  through 
With  honor,  faith  and  loyalty. 

This  priceless  boon  seek  not  to  win 
Through  bond  of  craft  or  creed  or  kin : 

Its  subtile  spell 

Can  only  dwell 
Where  dwells  the  spirit  light  within. 

Sometimes  it  guides  to  treasure  fields 
Where  rarest  gems  the  search  reveals: 

Then  purity 

Of  ecstacy 

Awaits  the  souls  that  friendship  seals. 
124 


Such  holy  bonds  shall  conquer  time, 
Such  aims  shall  reach  the  heights  sublime : 

They  shall  attain 

An  envied  plane 

Who    seek   with   friends   the   heights   to 
climb. 

VEESES 
EEFLECTION 

E  once  has  caught  a  glimpse  of  Par 
adise, 

Who 's  seen  Love 's  light  gleam  in  his 
mother's  eyes. 

AMBITION 

well  to  sing  of  humble  duties 
done, 

Of  faithful  trust  in  lowly  life  ful 
filled, 
But   he   who  high  ambition's   voice  has 

stilled 

Must  miss  the  goal  that  braver  souls  have 
won. 

125 


I 


THE  NEED 

NEED  a  theme,"  th'  aspiring  poet 

cried, 
"Thou  need'st  a  heart,"  the  cruel 

world  replied. 


MUSIC 

CELESTIAL  spheres  once  sang  crea 
tion's  birth, 
Through  eons  vast  the  echoing  tribute 

rolls ; 

And  music  hovers  still  the  listening  earth — 
A  harp  responsive  to  creative  souls. 


YOUTH 

EEK,  soul  of  mine  to  keep  eternal 

spring 
In  thy  heart's  heart,  while  through 

Life's  seasons  wing 
Thy  years.     Though  temples  frost,  sight 

dim,  and  slow 

Thy  step,  from  hills  eternal,  soft  let  blow 
126 


£)ur 


Zephyrs  of  Faith,  Hope,  Joy:  then  thou'lt 

ne'er  feel 
Age  creep  apace,  nor  death  upon  thee  steal. 


OUE  HERITAGE 

E'EE   heirs   of   the   ages,   their 

prophets,  seers,  sages 
Have  willed  to  our  tenure  a  her 
itage  rare, 
But  we  seize  life's  bubbles,  to-day's  joys 

and  troubles, 

That  vanish  and  leave  but  the  fathom 
less  air. 


We're  heirs  of  the  ages,  their  wondrous 

full  pages, 
Eeplete  with  choice  treasures  await  them 

who  seek, 
Then  rate  the  gift  rightly,  and  grasp  it  not 

lightly, 

Soar  upward,  nor  grovel  with  weed  and 
with  leek. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-42m-8,'49(B5573)444 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
LOS  ANGELED 


PS           Bought  o  n  - 
33>03       the  quest  of  a 

B65^8q     soul 

\ 

A     000917224     8 


PS 

3503 

* 


